From left, Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas C. Carter, Community Policing Coordinator Blake Lynch and Deputy Chief Deric Moody pose with the plaque awarded the department by the National Association of Town Watch.

The National Association of Town Watch has honored the Harrisburg Police Department with its “Rookie of the Year” award in recognition of the City’s 2018 “National Night Out” event.

According to a press release sent out Thursday, The National Association of Town Watch said 16,790 law enforcement agencies, community groups, towns and cities organized “National Night Out” events in 2018. The organization said almost 800 of the groups across 50 states were eligible for the honor, but the Harrisburg Police Department was one of only three organizations to be honored in Pennsylvania.

The Harrisburg event was held Aug. 7 at Sunshine Park, also known as Morrison Park, 12th & Herr Streets.

“We are exceedingly proud of the Harrisburg Police Department and its dedicated service to the people of our great city,” Mayor Eric Papenfuse said in the release. “Congratulations to Commissioner Thomas C. Carter and to all of the men and women who work to keep our community safe.”

Carter extended his thanks to Harrisburg police as well as to Corporal Josh Hammer, who leads the community policing unit, and to Community Policing Coordinator Blake Lynch.

"Thanks to everyone who made this event such a resounding success,” Carter said. “We especially want to thank staff with Harrisburg Public Works and our Parks & Recreation Department for their help with our first National Night Out.”

The event featured more than 50 vendors, including exhibits from several law enforcement agencies, the Pennsylvania State Police Helicopter unit, the Harrisburg Fire Department and Life Team EMS. It also included games, live entertainment, K-9 demonstrations, free food, and drinks. Harrisburg Police officers gave out Kona Ice and Farm Show milkshakes.

Live performances from local community groups and a DJ highlighted the event.